Chris Forster Email & Phone Number

New York City Metropolitan Area

As the Vice President of Store Development for SWFM Retail Group LLC, I lead operations for over 83 store locations, generating more than $250 million in annual sales. Reporting directly to the President/CEO, I drive strategic initiatives focused on operational efficiency and cost reduction, achieving a 12% decrease in operational expenses and a 6% sales increase company-wide. I’ve opened 12 new stores and remodeled 5, overseeing architectural plans and managing contractor bids, with store investments averaging $1.5 million. My role encompasses broad responsibilities, including supervising 12 indirect reports across operations, procurement,finance, HR, and distribution, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration. I’ve successfully reduced costs by $750,000 through effective procurement partnerships and played a key role in IT advancements that improved store productivity and lowered operational costs. I’ve worked closely with real estate brokers and attorneys to secure optimal store locations and evaluate leases, driving growth and expansion. My leadership also extends to cash handling improvements, where I introduced new procedures and Brinks safes to ensure next-day credit for deposits. By partnering with merchants and operations teams, I optimize store layouts and drive initiatives that enhance store-level performance.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

As Regional Vice President at Family Dollar, I led operations for 195 stores across five states, overseeing a portfolio valued at over $500 million. My focus was on driving profitability and growth while managing a team of 10 district managers, regional HR specialists, and loss prevention personnel. I developed and implemented strategies for district support and area operations to ensure sustainable growth and efficiency. Through strategic workforce planning, I optimized staffing levels and projected future needs, while directing new store openings and remodels to meet budget and timeline goals. I also managed P&L responsibilities, introducing cost-saving measures that boosted profitability and enhanced store performance. By collaborating with real estate and construction teams, I secured prime locations for expansion and continuously monitored market trends to stay competitive. A key part of my role was mentoring district managers and fostering leadership growth through succession planning, ensuring that our teams were well-positioned for long-term success.

Pennsauken, New Jersey

As Vice President of Stores at Forman Mills, I was responsible for overseeing 35 apparel and home fashion locations spanning multiple states, generating over $250 million annually. With full P&L control, I crafted and executed strategic plans while directly reporting to the CEO, ensuring consistent performance and profitability. My leadership included managing 1,300+ employees and three district managers, focusing on operational accountability and bottom-line results. I was instrumental in opening 12 new stores within 18 months, significantly expanding the company's regional presence. I introduced zero-based payroll models to improve labor cost efficiency and designed innovative merchandising strategies that drove store growth. Additionally, I spearheaded purchasing and facility management efforts while staying ahead of competitive trends to optimize operations. Through these initiatives, I continually enhanced productivity and operational excellence across all locations

Successfully oversaw a comprehensive and profitable region consisting of 195 stores spanning five states and valued at over $500 million. I developed and led the team of 10 district managers, a regional HR specialists and the loss prevention team covering my region. Developed and managed the district support team and area operations managers for future growth as well as overseeing evaluating and making performance improvements to profitability and operating costs of my assigned area. My oversight included ensuring proper staffing levels and anticipating projected needs of employment using the established programs for development of direct reports through succession planning and process tools.

Pennsauken, Nj

Maintained full P&L control over 35 apparel and home fashion store locations averaging 55,000 square feet. These locations generated over $250 million in annual sales from Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, Maryland, New York, Northern New Jersey and Washington DC. In addition created long-term strategic plans with implementation and direct accountability to the CEO. Devised innovative action plans to enhance staff accountability (1300+ employees and three district managers) which have positive effect on bottom-line profitability. Coordinated facility management and maintained extensive competitive industry knowledge, track sales trends, oversee purchasing and maintain store efficiency and productivity. I create merchandising strategies and procedures to optimize store growth. Consistently improved store standards by maintaining a hands-on management approach.Achievement’s:• Opened and established 12 new store locations within 18 months.• Established zero-based payroll allocation based on individual store workloads.

Bentonville, Arkansas

Successfully managed three high-volume Metropolitan districts which included multi-state markets producing $500 million plus annually. Concurrently managed seven locations as well as serving as a liaison with corporate representatives regarding store grand openings. Orchestrated facility development from initial site procurement to grand opening in daily operations. My responsibilities additionally included recruitment personnel development utilizing innovative and effective bottom-up promotional approach. Developed employee loyalty via positive coaching accountability in recognition of results.